Nottingham Forest 'interested' in former Barcelona transfer target

Nottingham Forest have "registered an interest" in former Barcelona transfer target Nicolas Tagliafico.

The Argentinian left-back is possibly being viewed as a replacement to loanee Max Lowe, who has recently returned to Sheffield United following a season-long loan with Forest.

Steve Cooper needs to sign a left-back this summer following Lowe's return to Bramall Lane. The Reds reportedly had a bid for the full-back rejected in January and it is not yet known whether they will return this summer for the 25-year-old.

According to the Daily Mail, Forest could instead be eyeing up a possible move for Ajax defender Tagliafico.

Last season, Tagliafico appeared 30 times for Ajax in all competitions, contributing three goals and four assists in that time. The 2021 Copa America winner has also made 40 appearances for his national team, establishing himself recently as one of the main options for Argentina.

His impressive performances for club and country resulted in interest being drawn from Barcelona back in January, but a move to the Nou Camp fell through as the Dutch side had no suitable replacement for him.

"Tagliafico's agreement with Barça was very difficult, yes," sporting director Marc Overmars said. "I wish Nico all the best, but we also have to make sure we don't shoot ourselves in the foot.

"If Barcelona want to sign our player on loan, then we need to have a substitute in that position."

He continued: "We want to think about the players, we're also known for that. We did that, but we didn't come up with a good solution.

"[I'm] sad for him. Tagliafico is a fantastic player. It just didn't work out."